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What exactly is biofilm?

Biofilm is a protective home for bacteria that’s composed of microorganisms. Biofilm can be found in wet places such as ponds, sewers, and bathroom drains, and it also grows on metals and minerals.

But biofilm can also be found in your mouth, in either healthy or diseased form. Both are composed of the same compounds, but when they combine with certain amino acids or chemicals, diseased biofilm will begin to destroy your enamel. You might notice this as a slimy yellow buildup of dental plaque on the surface of your teeth.

Biofilm takes form when free-swimming bacterial cells land on a surface and attach in a cluster. The cells begin to multiply and form a micro-colony that promotes diverse bacterial species to grow. To prevent biofilm from settling in your mouth to begin with, make sure to keep up your daily oral routine.

Any mouth appliances you use should also be scrubbed or soaked in cleaner as often as possible. You should pick a toothpaste that has antibacterial ingredients, rinse with mouthwash, and floss daily.

There are many ways to treat diseased biofilm. One is to kill the microorganisms through the use of chlorhexidine, triclosan, and mineral agents that reduce the degree of plaque formed in your mouth.

Another way is to make sure to go to your regular cleanings every six months with the doctor. During your cleaning, we remove excess biofilm that’s accumulated on your teeth over the past six months.

Don’t forget that it’s also essential to keep a healthy amount of biofilm in your mouth, though. This type of biofilm protects your body from disease and is replicated every twenty minutes. If you have a healthy amount of good biofilm, the chances of your mouth producing harmful bacteria decreases.

Ask about biofilm during your next appointment at our New York, New York office if you’ve noticed any irregular yellow-colored buildup on your teeth. the doctor will make sure your mouth has a healthy balance of biofilm.

The best way to create a healthy environment in your mouth is to stay on track with your oral health regimen. Prevention is the best method when it comes to your dental hygiene and fighting diseased biofilm.

 

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Testimonials

What Our Patients Say About Us

  • "Smile Café lives up to its name. Even during these uncertain times you leave the office with a smile on your face. Kind staff, efficient, orderly. Thank you all and continue to remain safe!"
    Diana O. - May 21, 2020
  • "The staff is always great as well as the work and care they have done is the best dental service I have ever gotten."
    Michael S. - Apr 24, 2020
  • "The doctors really made me feel comfortable, they educated me while I was there and had real convos with me. Told me my whole eating history."
    Brandon W. - Apr 16, 2020
  • "The Smile Cafe really came through on service, quality and always a friendly demeanor."
    Mark R. - Mar 6, 2020
  • "My experience here was super relaxing and everyone was so friendly. The energy of the place really calmed me down so I can conquer my fear of the dentist and get the smile I want."
    Alexandra T. - Mar 4, 2020